Steelhead rivers can feel endless when you first step in, with miles of runs and pools stretching in every direction. Yet, the question is always the same: where should you start? Sometimes the answer comes with a single tug on the line. One bite can reveal more than hours of searching, pointing you toward the type of water these fish prefer through the long winter months.
Kevin Feenstra has guided steelhead anglers for decades, and his “Similar Water Philosophy” builds on this simple truth. In today’s article, we’ll walk through how Kevin applies this philosophy on the river, from recognizing winter steelhead water to adjusting sink tips, flies, and casting approaches.
One Bite Tells The Story
In winter, migratory fish often settle into specific holding water and stay there. Kevin points out that if you feel even a single pluck in December, January, or February, that spot is worth remembering. The odds are high that it will continue to hold fish through the season. One bite is a clue, showing you where steelhead feel secure, and it can shape the way you approach the rest of the river.
Applying The “Similar Water” Approach
Kevin’s philosophy is simple and effective. When a fish shows itself in one type of water, he uses that clue to seek out other stretches of river with the same traits. With a boat, he can cover more ground quickly, moving from spot to spot and focusing on areas that share that look and feel.
The goal is not to know exactly why a fish bit in that first run. It’s to recognize that the same conditions are likely at play in other places on the river. When you pattern your approach around those similarities, you cut down on wasted time and increase your odds of success. So, instead of waiting on chance, you’re fishing with intention, and each cast feels like it belongs exactly where it lands.
Recognizing Prime Winter Steelhead Water
Water speed is one of the biggest clues. Kevin highlights that during the prime fall window, when water temps are between 55 and 38 degrees, fish will move aggressively in many different types of water, from fast runs to deep slots. But once temps dip below 38, steelhead become far pickier.
In these colder months, the best winter water tends to share a few key traits:
- Depth in the range of three to six feet
- Flows slower than walking speed
- Broad, flat runs with structure such as boulders or rock shelves
These spots give fish a balance of security and efficiency. The current is slow enough for them to conserve energy, yet the cover makes them feel comfortable enough to hold for long stretches of the season.
Flies And Presentation
In slower winter water, your fly doesn’t need to sink fast. Kevin often uses large sculpin patterns paired with sink tips that carry the fly down gradually. The goal is for the fly to swing, hover, and then lift slightly at the end, mimicking an easy meal.
Because these runs are broad, he sometimes switches rods and lines to reach farther across. A multi-density line helps, with the back floating and the front sections sinking progressively into a heavy tip. This keeps the fly down for longer without sudden drops.
Boat Positioning And Cold-Weather Tactics
When fishing from a boat, Kevin avoids working out short casts step by step. Instead, he positions the boat so he or his clients can make consistent, effective casts at one comfortable distance. This maximizes efficiency and lets the fly fish correctly from the start.
Cold weather adds challenges, but Kevin adapts. On freezing days, casting just the length of the head without stripping line helps prevent iced-up guides. Gloves or mittens become more practical, and the reduced workload makes long days in harsh conditions possible.
Final Thoughts
Kevin Feenstra’s similar water philosophy is about trusting what the river and the fish tell you. One bite can reveal a pattern, and once you identify it, you can expand your search with confidence. In winter especially, targeting the right water speeds and depths with thoughtful presentations makes the difference between empty swings and memorable hookups.
Want to learn more from Kevin and other world-class guides? Check out Kevin Feenstra’s Understanding Baitfish as Streamers Masterclass inside Anchored Outdoors, where he shares decades of insight on reading water, fly selection, and presentation.
